Since the first team took the field in 1890 (Baseball), thousands of individuals have proudly represented San Jose State University as student-athletes and coaches.  Each has contributed to the Spartan Pride we have today.

            The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics created the Order of Sparta in 1999 for all SJSU former student-athletes and coaches. Membership is open to everyone who has coached or been a member of any team, past or present, sponsored by the athletic department.  Graduation from SJSU is not a requirement.

            All membership fees are used for the enhancement and operation of the Order.  The organization is not a fund-raiser for the athletic department.  Our first mailing in 1999 was sent to 1,000 former student-athletes, coaches, and athletic support staff which the University has addresses for. We have grown our mailing list since then; but we know there are many more who qualify for membership. Your help to expand our membership is welcomed. Take a look through your contacts and please let us know where life has brought your former teammates and fellow Spartans.    

At its root, the Order of Sparta provides San Jose State University's alumni athletes and coaches connection to Spartan Athletics, to each other, and to current student-athletes.

Membership and Registration Information - Click Here

The Order of Sparta was founded by former San Jose State athletes for former men and women Spartan athletes and coaches. Our primary purpose was to re-establish and maintain the San Jose State Sports Hall of Fame. Since our formation in 1999, we have inducted 78 men and women and five teams into our Hall of Fame, which is currently housed in the Koret Athletic Training Center, adjacent to Spartan Stadium on South Campus.

Last year marked a 10 year anniversary for the Order. As mentioned, we have inducted over 70 outstanding former student-athletes and coaches into our Hall of Fame over the past 11 years. However, we know there are many more yet to be recognized. Not to mention all the current student-athletes, future Hall of Fame Spartans, making and breaking records every day. Our primary goal to host the Hall of Fame induction ceremony will remain our focus, now and continuing into the future. The past 11 years has been spent developing a strong membership base to maintain an organizational foundation. We know that to be a successful organization our membership must continue to grow. There are thousands of former SJSU athletes who have yet to connect with the Order. This has become a driving force in our plans for the next two years. New members bring new ideas and new energy to an already well established system of communication and recognition.

Thanks to all the charter members who have supported our efforts over the past 11 years. Thanks to our entire membership base who have remained a part of the Universty through their membership in the Order. Special thanks to all the past Presidents and Board of Directors of the Order who have provided us with the much needed leadership and direction to get us through the early years. And, finally a special thanks to Director of Athletics Tom Bowen and the SJSU athletics administrators who have supported us through the first 11 years!

HAIL SPARTANS!

Rich Chew

Men's Gymnastics 1961-65

Men's Gymnastics Coach 1974-87